Ancient History Optional Topic Wise Question Bank

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com’s
IAS Ancient Indian History Optional Previous Years’ Question Papers [1979-2019]
HISTORY OPTIONAL
TOPIC WISE QUESTION
BANK OF ANCIENT
INDIA
[1979-2019]
Question bank is the most important for history optional preparation as most of the questions asked in UPSC
History Optional Main Exam is directly or indirectly from previous years papers. It is also very important for
General Studies Paper I
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Selfstudyhistory.com ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY OPTIONAL TOPIC WISE QUESTIONS [1979-2019]
TOPIC PAGE NO.

1. Sources 3-4
(i) Archaeological sources: Exploration, excavation, epigraphy,
numismatics, monuments
(ii) Literary sources: Indigenous: Primary and secondary; poetry,
scientific literature, literature, literature in regional languages,
religious literature.
(iii) Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese and Arab writers.
2. Pre-history and Proto-history 5
(i) Geographical factors; hunting and gathering (paleolithic and
mesolithic);
(ii) Beginning of agriculture (neolithic and chalcolithic).
3. Indus Valley Civilization 6-7
(i) Origin, date, extent, characteristics, decline, survival and
significance, art and architecture.
4. Megalithic Cultures 8
(i) Distribution of pastoral and farming cultures outside the Indus,
Development of community life, Settlements, Development of
agriculture, Crafts, Pottery, and Iron industry.
5. Aryans and Vedic Period 9 - 10
(i) Expansions of Aryans in India.
(ii) Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature;
(iii) Transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period;
(iv) Political, social and economical life; Significance of the Vedic
Age; Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.
6. Period of Mahajanapadas 11 - 12
(i) Formation of States (Mahajanapada): Republics and
monarchies; Rise of urban centres; Trade routes; Economic
growth; Introduction of coinage;
(ii) Spread of Jainism and Buddhism;
(iii) Rise of Magadha and Nandas.
(iv) Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.
7. Mauryan Empire 13 - 14
(i) Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, Kautilya and
Arthashastra;
(ii) Ashoka; Concept of Dharma; Edicts; Polity, Administration;
Economy; Art, architecture and sculpture; External contacts;
Religion; Spread of religion; Literature.
(iii) Disintegration of the empire;
(iv) Sungas and Kanvas.
8. Post-Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western 15 - 16
Kshatrapas)
(i) Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres, economy,
coinage, development of religions, Mahayana, social
conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature and science.
9. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India 17-18
(i) Kharavela,
[email protected] Page 1
(ii) The Satavahanas,

(iii) Tamil States of the Sangam Age;
(iv) Administration, economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds
and urban centres; Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and
culture; Art and architecture.
10. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas 19 – 21
(i) Polity and administration, Economic conditions, Coinage of the
Guptas, Land grants, Decline of urban centres, Indian
feudalism, Caste system, Position of women, Education and
educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi,
Literature, scientific literature, art and architecture.
11. Regional States during Gupta Era 22 – 23
(i) The Kadambas, Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami;
(ii) Polity and Administration, Trade guilds, Literature;
(iii) Growth of Vaishnava and Saiva religions.
(iv) Tamil Bhakti movement, Shankaracharya; Vedanta;
(v) Institutions of temple and temple architecture;
(vi) Palas, Senas, Rashtrakutas, Paramaras, Polity and
administration; Cultural aspects.
(vii) Arab conquest of Sind; Alberuni,
(viii) The Chalukyas of Kalyana, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandyas; Polity
and Administration; Local Government;
(ix) Growth of art and architecture, religious sects, Institution of
temple and Mathas, Agraharas, education and literature,
economy and society.
12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History 24
(i) Languages and texts, major stages in the evolution of art and
architecture,major philosophical thinkers and schools, ideas in
Science and Mathematics.
1. Sources
(i) Archaeological sources: Exploration, excavation, epigraphy, numismatics,
monuments
(ii) Literary sources: Indigenous: Primary and secondary; poetry, scientific literature,
literature, literature in regional languages, religious literature.
(iii) Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese and Arab writers.
1. “Ancient Indians had no taste for historiography; their scholars cared more for religious,
spiritual and philosophical studies. Indian historiography is essentially an Islamic heritage.”
Comment upon this statement with special reference to the contemporary writers and their
works which help us in the reconstruction of history of the early medieval period of Indian
history. [1996, 60m]
2. Assess the pattern of settlement, economy, social organization and religion of India during
2000 to 500 BC from archaeological evidences. [2003, 60m]
3. Discuss the changing approaches to the study of early Indian history. [2006, 60m]
4. "Reconstruction of Early Indian history is hardly possible without the help of inscriptions
and coins." Discuss. [2007, 60m]
5. In what ways are the accounts of the Graeco Romans and the Chinese helpful in
reconstructing the social history of India? How far is their information corroborated by other
Contemporary sources? [2009, 60m]
6. What light do early inscriptions and literature throw on the status of women in politico
socio-economic spheres? [2010, 60m]
7. On the basis of contemporary sources assess the nature of banking and usury in ancient
India. [2013, 15m]
8. Evaluate the ownership of land in ancient India on the basis of literary and epigraphic
sources. [2013, 15m]
9. “While using the accounts of foreign writers, historians must distinguish between
statements based on hearsay and those grounded in perceptive observations.” Elaborate
with examples. [2014, 15m]
10. How far can the ancient Indian Sruti literature be used as historical sources? [2015, 15m]
11. Critically evaluate the theory and practise of land revenue system in ancient India.
[2016, 20 Marks]
12. Art and culture are reﬂected to a far greater extent than political history in the
epigraphic sources. Comment. [2017, 15 Marks]
13. How did early Indian historical tradition, as reflected in Itihasa-Purana, emerge? What
are the distinctive features of this genre? [2018, 20 Marks]
14. Do you agree that archaeological evidence often helps in the better understanding of
literary sources? Comment. [2019, 15 Marks]
2. Pre-history and Proto-history

(i) Geographical factors; hunting and gathering (paleolithic and mesolithic);
Beginning of agriculture (neolithic and chalcolithic).
1. Describe the distinguishing features of important archaeological cultures of the Indian

subcontinent datable between c. 2000 B.C. and c. 500 B.C. [1995, 60m]
2. To what extent archaeological materials are useful in understanding the progress of

Neolithic man in India? [2010, 30m]
3. In the absence of a written script Chalcolithic pottery gives us a fascinating insight into
the culture and life styles of the people of those times. Comment critically. [2013, 15m]
4. Delineate and account for the regional characteristics of the Neolithic period in India.
[2016, 15 Marks]
5. The emergence of Non-Harappan Chalcolithic cultures in Central India and the Deccan
mark a change not only in the subsistence pattern of people but an overall transition from
pre to proto historic period. Critically analyze. [2017, 15 Marks]
3. Indus Valley Civilization

(i) Origin, date, extent, characteristics, decline, survival and significance, art and
architecture.
1. Give an appraisal of town planning of the Indus cities and evaluate the various reasons for
their decline. [1979, 60m]
2. Discuss the trade, cultural contacts and the extents of the Indus Civilization within and
outside India and describe in detail any one of the Indus sites within India. [1980, 60m]
3. Was India civilized before the advent of the Aryans? State briefly the extent and striking
features of the earlier civilization, if any. [1982, 20m]
4. How do you account for the decline of the major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[1984, 20m]
5. “On circumstantial evidence Indra stands convicted.” Explain, and discuss briefly
different views about a sudden end of the Indus Valley civilization. How would you explain
the presence of those elements in Indian culture and civilization which are found to have
existed in the Indus Valley period? [1986, 60m]
6. “The Indus Civilization had an abrupt end.” Discuss the statement and explain how the
Indus Civilization could influence Indian culture in its later history. [1988, 60m]
7. “The Indus civilization did not have an abrupt appearance.” Discuss the statement. How
does the Indus civilization stand, in view of its geographical expansion and chronology, in
relations to the Vedic civilization? [1990, 60m]
8. Write a short essay on: “External trade of the Harappans.” [1991, 20m]
9. Write a brief essay on: “The burial customs in the Indus Civilization.” [1993, 20m]
10. Discuss the pattern of trade during the Indus Valley civilization. How far did it affect the
nature of contemporary settlements in the Indian sub-continent? [1994, 60m]
11. Write a short essay on: “The Religion of the Indus Civilization.” [1996, 20m]
12. "The continuity of the Indus Civilization into later ages was not confined to the religious
and spiritual fields alone." Analyse the statement. [1997, 60m]
13. Discuss salient features of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mention important places from
where relics of civilization have been recovered so far. Examine causes of its decline. [1999,
60m]
14. Analyze the elements of urban civilization in the Harappan Culture. What factors were
responsible for its decline? [2002, 60m]
15. Discuss the distribution and significance of farming cultures outside the Indus system.
[2008, 60m]
16. Trace the development of urbanization from the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century
B.C.E. [2011, 60m]
17. Evaluate the significance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic
and religious life of the Harappan people. [2012, 30m]
18. Discuss the water management and its conservation planning in the Harappan (Indus-
Saraswati) cities. [2013, 20m]
19. Do you think the Harappan civilization had a diversity of subsistence base? [2014, 15m]
20. The decline of Harappan civilization was caused by ecological degradation rather than
external invasion. Discuss. [2015, 15m]
21. Explain why the majority of the known Harappan settlements are located in the semi-arid
areas with saline groundwater. [2016, 20 Marks]
22. Critically examine various views regarding the Vedic Harappan relationship in light of
the latest discoveries. [2017, 15 Marks]
23. "Archaeological evidence does not give direct access to the possible social and political
dimensions of the decline of the Harappan civilization. What it does indicate very clearly is
that the Harappan culture underwent a gradual process of de-urbanization"? [2018, 15
Marks]
24. Did the mastery over agriculture act as a leverage for the rise of Harappan towns and
cities? Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]
4. Megalithic Cultures
(i) Distribution of pastoral and farming cultures outside the Indus, Development of
community life, Settlements, Development of agriculture, Crafts, Pottery, and Iron
industry.
1. Discuss the extent, settlement patterns and subsistence economy of the megalithic
cultures. [2012, 30m]
2. In what ways can the Megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history
of peninsular India? [2014, 15m]
5. Aryans and Vedic Period

(i) Expansions of Aryans in India.
(ii) Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature;
(iii) Transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period;
(iv) Political, social and economical life;
(v) Significance of the Vedic Age; Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.
1. Give an account of the geography of the Vedic texts and describe the social life during
the Vedic times. [1979, 60m]
2. Discuss the political pattern and the major religious ideas and rituals of the Vedic age.
[1980, 60m]
3. Examine the contribution of Vedic culture in the sphere of social institutions and religion.
Was there any continuity between the Indus and the Vedic cultures in this respect? [1983,
60m]
4. What was the position of Varuna in the Vedic system of Gods? [1984, 20m]
5. Discuss the geographical area known to the Rig Vedic people. Were they familiar with the
sea? [1985, 60m]
6. Write a short essay on: “Democratic elements in the political system of the early Vedic
period.” [1986, 20m]
7. Write a short essay on: “Position of women in the Rig Vedic society” [1988, 20m]
8. Write a short essay on: “The formulation of social system in the later Vedic period.” [1990,
20m]
9. Compare the economic, social and religious life of the Indus Valley (Harappan) people
with that of the early Vedic people and discuss the relative chronology of the Indus and the
early Vedic cultures. [1987, 60m]
10. Discuss briefly the development of religious ideas and rituals in the Vedic age. Do they
show any parallelism with the religion of the Indus Civilization? [1989, 60m]
11. Bring out the elements of change and continuity between the Early Vedic and Later
Vedic Cultures. [1993, 60m]
12. Analyse the differences and similarities between Indus Valley and Vedic Cultures. [1992,
60m]
13. Write a brief essay on: “The Vedic Gods of the terrestrial region.” [1993, 20m]
14. Write a short essay on: “Vedic literature” [1995, 20m]
15. Write a short essay on: “Vedic rituals” [1997, 20m]
16. Give a brief account of the social and economic conditions of the Later Vedic Aryans.
[1998, 60m]
17. Describe the social life of the later Vedic people. How was it different from the Rig Vedic
life? [2004, 60m]
18. Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of Vedic religion. [2009, 30m]
19. Examine the view that sacrifice was a ritual and a form of social exchange in Vedic India.
[2010, 30m]
20. Evaluate the conceptual basis of the Vedic deities. [2011, 30m]
21. Evaluate various views regarding human settlements as gleaned from the Vedic sources.
[2013, 15m]
22. Evaluate the contribution of the Puranas in disseminating secular knowledge among the
masses in ancient India. [2013, 15m]
23. “The Varna concept may always have been largely a theoretical model and never an
actual description of society.” Comment in the context of Ancient India. [2013, 15m]
24. “The Upanishadic principles embody the epitome of the Vedic thought.” Discuss. [2014,
15m]
25. “Archaeology knows of no Aryans; only literature knows of Aryans.” Examine critically.
[2015, 10m]
26. In what way was the egalitarian character of the early Vedic society changed during the
later Vedic period? [2016, 15 Marks]
27. "The copious references to the preservation of Varnashrama system by the kings
eulogized in inscriptions are mere reflection of the Smriti tradition." Discuss. [2016, 15
Marks]
28. Examine how the transformation of the Varna system from the Rigvedic to the Later-Vedic
period affected the position of women. [2019, 15 Marks]
29. There is no literary sources for the Harappan culture and no archaeological evidence for
the Vedic period. Explain the phenomenon. [2019, 20 Marks]
6. Period of Mahajanapadas
(i) Formation of States (Mahajanapada) : Republics and monarchies; Rise of urban
centres; Trade routes; Economic growth; Introduction of coinage;
(ii) Spread of Jainism and Buddhism; Rise of Magadha and Nandas.
(iii) Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.
1. What were the causes of the origin of the heterodox sects in the sixth century BC? [1984,
20m]
2. Discuss the social & economic factors for the rise of Buddhism. How far was it influenced
by Upnisadic thought? [1987, 60m]
3. Write a short essay on: “The intellectual revolution in the Sixth Century B.C.” [1988, 20m]
4. Trace the rise of Magadhan imperialism up to the times of the Nandas with particular
reference to its policy towards the non-monarchical state. Discuss the factors that
contributed to its success. [1990, 60m]
5. Give an account of the republics in the pre-Maurya period. Discuss the factors which
contributed to their decline. [1992, 60m]
6. Write a short essay on: “Essence of early Jainism” [1995, 20m]
7. Write a short essay on: “Social and economic conditions of North India during the Pre-
Mauryan period (600-325 B.C.).” [1996, 20m]
8. What role did iron play in changing their political and economic life? [1998, 60m]
9. “The Sixth century B.C. was a period of religious and economic unrest in India.”
Comment. [2003, 60m]
9. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D.
[2007, 60m]
10. Trace the development of urbanization from the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century
B.C.E. [2011, 60m]
11. Evaluate the introduction of iron technology in the development of human history of
ancient India. [2011, 20m]
12. Assess the importance of Jain tenets and their relevance to humanity. [2011, 30m]
13. Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the
problems of today’s society. Analyse critically. [2014, 15m]
14. How far is it correct to say that changes in the post-Vedic economy gave birth to new
religious movements in India? [2015, 15m]
15. Examine the relationship among economic growth, urbanization and State formation
from c. 7th century to 3rd century BCE. [2016, 15 Marks]
16. Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment.
[2017, 15 Marks]
17. Give an account of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical state systems)? Why did they
decline? [2018, 15 Marks]
18. The concept of Shramanic religions, with particular reference to Buddhism, had their
roots in Upanisadic ideas. Discuss. [2018, 15 Marks]
7. Mauryan Empire
(i) Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, Kautilya and Arthashastra;
(ii) Ashoka; Concept of Dharma; Edicts; Polity, Administration; Economy; Art,
architecture and sculpture; External contacts; Religion; Spread of religion;
Literature.
(iii) Disintegration of the empire;
(iv) Sungas and Kanvas.
1. Discuss the nature of Ashoka’s Dhamma. Was it responsible for the downfall of his
empire? [1979, 60m]
2. Critically examine the sources for the study of Mauryan dynasty. How are they useful in
understanding the Mauryan administration? [1980, 60m]
3. Bring out the elements of change and continuity in the domestic and foreign policies of
Ashoka. [1981, 60m]
4. Do you think that the economic factors were alone responsible for the disintegration of the
Mauryan Empire? [1982, 20m]
5. Analyze Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma and account for its failure. [1983, 60m]
6. Examine the administrative system of the Mauryas and discuss briefly the causes of
disintegration of the Mauryan Empire. [1984, 60m]
7. Discuss critically the relative importance of the different source for the history of the
Mauryan period. [1986, 60m]
8. Write a short essay on: “Mauryan court art as an alien grafting” [1988, 20m]
9. Discuss the comparative merit of the Arthasastra, the Indica and Ashokan Inscriptions as
sources for the administration, socio-economic conditions and religious life in the Mauryan
period. [1989, 60m]
10. Write a short essay on: “The Maurya policy of regulating and controlling economic
activities.” [1990, 20m]
11. Write a short essay on: “Contents of Asoka’s dhamma and reasons for Asoka’s keenness
to propagate dhamma.” [1991, 20m]
12. Write a brief essay on: “Similarities and differences between the Maurya columns and
Achaemenian pillars.” [1993, 20m]
13. Examine the importance of Ashoka’s Rock Edit XIII for determining the extent of the
Maurya Empire. Did Ashoka’s policies and reforms contribute to the fall of the empire?
[1993, 60m]
14. Determine the veracity of Megasthenes’ descriptions of Indian society and economy with
the help of other contemporary evidences. [1994, 60m]
15. Write a short essay on: “Inscriptions of Ashoka” [1995, 20m]
16. Write a short essay on: “Mauryan municipal administration.” [1996, 20m]
17. Write a short essay on: “The architectural and artistic features of the great stupa at
Sanchi” [1997, 20m]
18. Examine sources of information for Mauryan dynasty. Throw light on historical
significance of Ashoka's inscriptions. [1999, 60m]
19. How did Ashoka contribute to the moral and administrative welfare of his people? [2000,
60m]
20. Analyse the causes of the success of the Magadhan imperialism upto the reign of Ashoka
the Great. [2001, 60m]
21. Examine the nature of the Mauryan State. Bring out the features of their administrative
system. [2002, 60m]
22. Determine the extent of the Mauryan empire. [2005, 60m]
23. Examine the role of adhyaksha in the Mauryan administration. [2012, 30m]
24. Social norms for women in the Dharmasastra and Arthasastra tradition were framed in
accordance with the Varnashrama tradition. Evaluate critically. [2013, 20m]
25. Discuss different interpretations of historians about the nature of Asoka’s ‘Dhamma’. Did
his principle of ‘Dhamma-vijaya’ render the Mauryan Empire militaristically weak? [2014,
20m]
26. Delineate the nature and impact of India’s contact with Western Asia and the
Mediterranean world during the Mauryan period. [2015, 15m]
27. “The concept of Ashoka’s Dhamma as found through his inscriptions had its roots in
Vedic—Upanishadic literature.” Discuss. [2017, 15 Marks]
28. Do you agree with the popular view that Mauryas established a unitary and highly
centralized if not monolithic state system? [2018, 20 Marks]
29. The development of art and architecture during the Sunga period belies the belief that
they were anti-Buddhist. Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]
30. Explain how Ashoka used religion as a tool of political aggrandizement. [2019, 15 Marks]
8. Post - Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western

Kshatrapas)
(i) Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres, economy, coinage,
development of religions, Mahayana, social conditions, art, architecture, culture,
literature and science.
1. Brief out the salient features of the religious development in the Post-Maurya period. How
was contemporary art influenced by it? [1988, 60m]
2. Write a short essay on “Indian participation in the silk trade through Central Asia.” [1990,
20m]
3. Write a short essay on: “Origins, chronology, characteristics and geographical spread of
Gandhara art.” [1991, 20m]
4. Write a brief essay on: “Buddhist writing in Sanskrit in the post-Maurya period.” [1993,
20m]
5. “The centuries between c. 200 B.C. and c. A.D. 300 constitute a landmark in the socio-
religious history of India.” Analyses the proposition. [1995, 60m]
6. Furnish a critical and comparative account of various schools of art in the Post -Mauryan
period (c. 200 B.C. - c. 300 A.D.) [1998, 60m]
7. How justified are we in characterizing the post-Mauryan five centuries as the ‘Dark
Period’ of Indian History? Give reasons in support of your answer. [2008, 60m]
8. Examine the significance of the deities depicted on coins of the Kushanas. [2010, 30m]
9. Explain as to how the early Buddhist Stupa art, while using folk motifs and narratives and
common cultural symbols, succeeded in transforming these themes for expounding the
Buddhist ideals. [2013, 20m]
10. Review critically the evolution of different schools of art in the Indian subcontinent
between the second century BCE and the third century CE and evaluate the socio-religious
factors responsible for it. [2014, 20m]
11. How does numismatic evidence of the period reflect the political and economic outlook
of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas? [2016, 15 Marks]
12. "The changes in the field of art from the Kushana period to early medieval period are
mere reflection of changing outlook." Comment. [2016, 20 Marks]
13. The period of Indian History from 3rd century B.C.E. to 5th century C.E. was the period
of innovation and interaction. How will you react? [2017, 20 Marks]
14. What was the impact of trans-regional and trans-continental trade in the post Mauryan
period on social and cultural life of India? [2018, 20 Marks]
15. The flourishing international trade during the Kushana period gave tremendous impetus
to the development of art. Discuss. [2019, 15 Marks]
9. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India
(i) Kharavela,
(ii) The Satavahanas,
(iii) Tamil States of the Sangam Age;
(iv) Administration, economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds and urban
centres; Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and culture; Art and
architecture
1. Examine the role of guilds in the economic life of ancient India. [1982, 20m]
2. How was overseas trade organized in South India up to 300 A.D.? Discuss this with special
reference to Roman trade and point out its impact on Indian economy. [1984, 60m]
3. Write a short essay on: “The role of guilds in the economic life of India from c. 200 B.C. to
c. A.D. 300.” [1986, 20m]
4. Discuss the military activities of Kharavela of Kalinga. Do you think that his reign is
significant for military expeditions alone? [1993, 60m]
5. Explain the social aspects of Buddhism and account for its decline in India. [2004, 60m]
6. How do recent archaeological findings and Sangam literary texts enlighten us about the
early state and society in South India? [2008, 60m]
7. Assess the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian
economy. [2010, 30m]
8. Justify Pliny’s statement the Rome was being drained out of its gold by India during the
first century of the Christian era. [2012, 30m]
9. “Not only does ancient Tamil literature furnish an accurate picture of widely disparate
classes; it also describes the social condition of Tamil country as it was.” Discuss. [2015,
10m]
10. Trace the role of guilds and trade organizations in the development of early Indian
economy. [2015, 15m]
11. The accurate picture of the complex socio-cultural milieu of Peninsular India is
presented in the early Sangam literature. Delineate. [2017, 15 Marks]
12. "Utpanna dravide bhaktih, Karnate vriddhimagata I
Sthita kinchit maharashtre gurjare jirnatam gata II"
- Padmapurana
Account for the emergence of bhakti in Dravida desa. [2018, 15 Marks]
13. The discovery of monsoons by Hippalus gave a new direction to Indo-Roman trade
during the Satavahana period. Comment. [2019, 15 Marks]
10. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas

(i) Polity and administration, Economic conditions, Coinage of the Guptas, Land
grants, Decline of urban centres, Indian feudalism, Caste system, Position of
women, Education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and
Vallabhi, Literature, scientific literature, art and architecture.
Polity and administration
1. Describe the expansion of the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta with the help of the
Allahabad pillar inscription. [1979, 60m]
2. Write a short essay on: “The significance of the policy of matrimonial alliances for the
expansion and consolidation of the Gupta Empire.” [1986, 20m]
3. Write a short essay on: “Skandagupta’s war with the Hunas” [1997, 20m]
4. Write a short essay on: “Factors that led to the rise and fall of the Gupta Empire.” [1996,
20m]
5. Who were the Maukharis? Discuss their political relations with the Later Guptas of
Magadha. [2000, 60m]
6. Examine the information of Fa Hien about the political, religious, social and economic
conditions of India. Make a comparative study of his account with that of Yuan Chawang.
[2003, 60m]
7. What are the salient features of the administrative system of the Guptas? [2005, 60m]
8. Describe the expansion of the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta. [2006, 30m]
9. Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with
the designations and functions of the officers. [2014, 15m]
Economic conditions, Coinage of the Guptas, Land grants, Decline of urban centres,
Indian feudalism, Caste system, Position of women
1. How far do the coins of the Gupta's provide clues regarding trends in economy, polity,
religion and arts? Discuss them in the light of corroborating evidence from archaeology and
literature. [1981, 60m]
2. Discuss the conditions of economic life in the age of the Guptas. [1982, 60m]
3. Write a short essay on “The economic prosperity in the Gupta period.” [1990, 20m]
4. Write a short essay on: “Origins and meaning of the samanta system.” [1991, 20m]
5. Assess the status of women in India from c. 4th century BC to c. 6th century AD. [2005,
60m]
6. Throw light on the condition of common man in the Gupta period. [2007, 60m]
7. Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners in the Gupta Period. [2009, 30m]
8. What were the privileges granted to the donees in land-grant charters of early India?
How far were these charters responsible for integration or disintegration socio-political
milieu? [2014, 20m]
9. The second urbanization gave rise to the organized corporate activities that reached their
zenith during the Gupta period. Discuss. [2017, 20 Marks]
10. Do you agree that the system of land grants from the Gupta-Vakataka period was
connected with the decentralisation of state in any way? [2019, 20 Marks]
Education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi,

Literature, scientific literature, art and architecture
1. Examine the development of religion, literature and fine arts under the Guptas. [1980,
60m]
2. Discuss the ancient Indian contacts with South-East Asia with reference to causes,
chronology and original home of the migrants. What was the impact of these contacts on the
art of Kambuja and Java? [1980, 60m]
3. Discuss the cultural impact of India of the South-East Asia during the ancient period.
[1982, 60m]
4. “The Gupta period stands at the center of Indian history.” Discuss the development of arts
and literature in that Gupta period in the light of this statement. [1985, 60m]
5. In what ways does religion as reflected in the Vedic texts differ from the religion of the
Gupta period? [1991, 60m]
6. Analyses the characteristics features of the Gupta art and compare them with those of the
Mauryan art. [1992, 60m]
7. Write a short essay on: “Nalanda Mahavihara” [1997, 20m]
8. How did Indian culture spread in the South-east Asiatic countries during the Gupta Age?
[1997, 60m]
9. Highlight the achievements of the Gupta period in the field of literature, science and
technology. [1998, 60m]
10. Discuss the experimentations with art and architecture during the Gupta-Vakataka
period. [2018, 15 Marks]
Vardhanas
1. Critically examine the sources of information for the study of Harshavardhan and discuss
his religious policy. [1984, 60m]
2. Harsha is described as ‘the lord of the whole of north India’. Determine the extent of his
empire and discuss his political relations with Sasanka, Bhaskaravarman and Pulakesin II.
[1985, 60m]
3. “Harsha owes his greatness largely not to any real achievements but to formulate
descriptions by two famous men.” Discuss. [1987, 60m]
4. Write a short essay on “The Maukharis paving the way for the glory of Harshavardhana”
[1988, 20m]
5. Discuss critically the role Harsha played in the history of his times. [1989, 60m]
6. “Of all the events that had a singular being on the history of India, Harsha’s death in 647
A.D. is significant.” Why? Explain. [1996, 60m]
7. Give an account of the Society in Northern and Central India since the death of Harsha to
the Muslim conquest of North India. [1996, 60m]
8. “Harshvardhan was himself great, but he has been made greater by Ban and Yuan
Chiang.” Critically examine the statement. [1999, 60m]
11. Regional States during Gupta Era

(i) The Kadambas, Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami;
(ii) Polity and Administration, Trade guilds, Literature; growth of Vaishnava and Saiva
religions.
(iii) Tamil Bhakti movement, Shankaracharya; Vedanta; Institutions of temple and
temple architecture; Palas,
(iv) Senas, Rashtrakutas, Paramaras, Polity and administration; Cultural aspects.
(v) Arab conquest of Sind; Alberuni,
(vi) The Chalukyas of Kalyana, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandyas;
(vii) Polity and Administration; local Government; Growth of art and architecture,
religious sects, Institution of temple and Mathas, Agraharas, education and
literature, economy and society.
Polity and administration
1. Discuss critically the main aspects of polity and society under the Pallavas. [1981, 60m]
2. Trace briefly the history of the struggle between the Chalukyas and the Pailavas. Analyze
its causes and bring out its importance. [1985, 60m]
3. How far is it true to say that the strength and vigour of Indian history during c. A.D. 500-
750 lay in the south of the Vindhyas? [1995, 60m]
4. Give an account of the struggle for supremacy in South India between the Chalukyas of
Badami and the Pallavas. [2000, 60m]
5. Did the triangular conflict between the Rashtrakutas, Gujara Pratiharas and Palas create a
political vacuum in northern India which facilitated the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni?
[2001, 60m]
6. “The inferior cavalry of the Rajputs was not the only cause of their defeat at the hands of
Turko- Afghans and Mughal.” Comment. [2001, 60m]
7. Give an account of the rise of the Chalukyas of Vatapi and their struggle with other rulers.
Write a note on their patronage of arts. [2004, 60m]
8. How could the local self-government under the Cholas adjust with their centralized
administration structure? [2015, 10m]
9. "Doubtless it was not a free state; it was any rate a state" (K A N Sastri). Reflect upon the
nature of local self government institutions in the Chola country. [2018, 15 Marks]
Art and architecture
1. Discuss the contribution of the Pallavas to South Indian art. Was this art wholly
indigenous? [1979, 60m]
2. Trace the origin and development of the political authority of the Chalukyas of Badami
and discuss their contribution to religion and architecture. [1982, 60m]
3. Who were the Pallavas? Review briefly their contribution to art and administration [1983,
60m]
4. What was the contribution of the Chalukyas of Badami to Indian architecture? [1984, 20m]
5. Write a short essay on: “The contributions of the Pallavas to Indian architecture.” [1986,
20m]
6. Evaluate the importance of the contributions of the Pallavas in the history of the
development of art and administration in South India. [1988, 60m]
7. Make a comparative study of the administrative system and development of art under the
Pallavas of Kanchi and the Chalukyas of Vatapi. [1990, 60m]
8. In what ways would the period of the Pallavas of the Kanchi and that of the Chalukyas of
Badami mark the beginning of a new historical phase in peninsular India? [1991, 60m]
9. Assess the achievements of the Pallavas in administration and art. [1997, 60m]
10. Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian Temple’s architectural styles.
[2009, 60m]
11. Assess Ellora as a unique art centre of the different cultural streams. [2011, 20m]
12. Analyse the vibrant cultural activities in peninsular India during 550-750 CE. Compare
and contrast it with the situation in contemporary North India. [2012, 30m]
13. Kailasa Temple built at Ellora marks the culmination of rock-cut architecture in India.
Elucidate. [2015, 15m]
14. How did the temples of South India, as financial institutions, have deep impact on the
social institutions of early medieval period? Critically examine. [2016, 15 Marks]
15. Trace the origin and development of temple architecture in India with reference to
regional styles and variations. [2017, 20 Marks]
Arab conquest of Sind
1. Write a short essay on: “Historical significance of the advent of the Arabs in India” [1995,
20m]
12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History

(i) Languages and texts, major stages in the evolution of art and architecture, major
philosophical thinkers and schools, ideas in Science and Mathematics.
1. Discuss the ancient Indian contacts with South-East Asia with reference to causes,
chronology and original home of the migrants. What was the impact of these contacts on the
art of Kambuja and Java? [1980, 60m]
2. Discuss the cultural impact of India of the South-East Asia during the ancient period.
[1982, 60m]
3. How far is it correct to say that the Indians of the ancient period indulged only
metaphysical things and not in the development of pure sciences? [1982, 20m]
4. Discuss the scientific and technological developments in ancient India. [1991, 60m]
5. Trace the scientific and technological developments in India up to c. A.D. 750. [1994, 60m]
6. Examine the proficiency of the ancient Indians in various crafts, science and mathematics.
[2002, 60m]
7. Discuss the major stages in the evolution of architecture during the ancient period. [2006,
60m]
8. Discuss the types of lands and the Science of agriculture mentioned in the literature and
epigraphs of ancient India. [2011, 20m]
9. Assess the educational system in early India and identify important educational
institutions of the period. [2012, 30m]
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TOPIC PAGE NO.

(ii) The Satavahanas,

2. Pre-history and Proto-history

1. Describe the distinguishing features of important archaeological cultures of the Indian

2. To what extent archaeological materials are useful in understanding the progress of

3. Indus Valley Civilization

5. Aryans and Vedic Period

14. Write a short essay on: “Vedic literature” [1995, 20m]

15. Write a short essay on: “Vedic rituals” [1997, 20m]

6. Write a short essay on: “Essence of early Jainism” [1995, 20m]

15. Write a short essay on: “Inscriptions of Ashoka” [1995, 20m]

22. Determine the extent of the Mauryan empire. [2005, 60m]

8. Post - Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western

12. "Utpanna dravide bhaktih, Karnate vriddhimagata I

Sthita kinchit maharashtre gurjare jirnatam gata II"

Account for the emergence of bhakti in Dravida desa. [2018, 15 Marks]

10. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas

Polity and administration

Education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi,

7. Write a short essay on: “Nalanda Mahavihara” [1997, 20m]

11. Regional States during Gupta Era

Polity and administration

Art and architecture

Arab conquest of Sind

12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History

For any suggestion or request, send email to [email protected]

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